The NDP says in a news release its provincial council decided during a meeting in Moose Jaw that the convention — which was planned for May 6 — will now happen March 3.

Party president David McGrane earlier said he thought there should be a discussion of changing the date in light of Premier Brad Wall’s announcement this summer that he plans to resign.

Wall says he will step down as soon as a new party leader is chosen in Saskatoon on Jan. 27.

NDP provincial secretary John Tzupa said Saturday that the move was made in light of the Saskatchewan Party developments, but that no one from the party would be available Saturday to speak on the specific arguments for moving up the date.

The party says the deadline to enter the race to run for leader is January 12, 2018.

Saskatoon Meewasin MLA Ryan Meili and Regina MLA Trent Wotherspoon have both said they will seek the top job.

Wotherspoon ran for the NDP leadership in 2013, but lost to Cam Broten.

Wotherspoon was named interim leader after Broten lost in the 2016 provincial election, but stepped down this past June to consider running for the job permanently.

The party says all Saskatchewan New Democratic Party members in good standing will be eligible to vote online or by mail-in ballot.

The deadline to purchase a membership to be eligible to vote is January 19.